Brits warn against unnecessary screening & scanning

The British Medical Association's Board of Science issued a warning unlike anything their American counterparts have done. They've told consumers they may be putting themselves at unnecessary riskówithout much chance of benefitóby having some scans and genetic tests.

The group asked the British government to address the growing problem of unregulated screening that is offered outside the formal screening programs of the British National Health Service. It's estimated that almost $120 million was spent in Britain last year on private screening.

One spokesman said unregulated screening was often provided for profit. "It is often marketed to certain sections of the population but not necessarily those suffering from disease. It is not quality assured."